A fine Concert Series, such as the College one, is packed with the stars of the classical music scene; performers such as Peter Donohoe,  Emma Johnson,  Evelyn Glennie, the Choir of Wells Cathedral, The Nash Ensemble, The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, to name but a very few, have graced the Chapel and The Memorial Hall. 

Raised eyebrows

So to find a northern brass band in the 2014/15 series raised a few eyebrows in corners of the population of local concert attendees. We are blessed with musically sophisticated audiences who are used to a certain kind of concert experience and in the few days before the event one or two stereotypical comments floated around, in jest, yes but still floating. 

The first clue to what we were to hear in the Memorial Hall on Sunday 11th January came in the form of ticket sales: the concert was a sell-out. 

Having played in a number of groups like this the author knew exactly what to expect and rather predictably enjoyed the rather startled reaction of others – ‘I told you so’ wasn’t said, you will be pleased to learn. 

Astonishing

The Grimethorpe Colliery Band gave an astonishing performance in every respect: a great programme full of variety, vim and vigour, led in a deeply understated way by Dr Robert Childs who also endeared himself to the audience with his quirky presentational style. 

Virtuosity

We had virtuosity in spades in every sense, both individual and collective, and the sense of ensemble was so powerful that it became quite moving. The majority of these players would not be out of place in a professional orchestra and, in fact, the ex-principal cornet player of this group has, at the age of 20, just been appointed Principal Trumpet of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra before completing his music degree. 

Dazzled

In a programme of 14 numbers and an encore it is difficult to pick out notable moments but to ignore the prodigiously skilful soloists would be invidious: Ian Culcross - cornet, Chris Gomersall - trombone, Michael Dodd - euphonium, Michael Cavannah - baritone and Shaun Crowther - tuba, dazzled us with virtuosity and control. 

But for the author, the high point was the ‘March’ from Respighi’s ‘Pines of Rome’ expertly arranged by Howard Snell and superbly executed by the outstanding Grimethorpe Colliery Band - what a way to spend a wet, cold and dull January afternoon.

Alex Arkwright
Head of Brass, Wind and Percussion at Marlborough College